Tartu: Student-Friendly and Open-Minded. There Is History Here.

Reportedly, it only takes one-tenth of a second to make a first impression. It might take a bit longer to make an impression about a new city or country, though. We asked our new international students about their first impressions from Estonia, Tartu, and the university. Here is what Václav from Czech Republic, Rūta from Latvia, Elena and Ivan from Russia, Ilona from Finland, Desiree from Canada, Connor from the USA, and Michael from Kenya shared with us on Twitter.

New international students at the orientation week events in August 2014. Image credit: Andres Tennus.

What are your first impressions about Estonia and Tartu?

@TartuUniversity Not the first time, no 🙂 But I love the atmosphere in Tartu and so far Estonian language courses are my favorite ones! 😀
— Rūta Veigure (@Himeera) September 8, 2014

@TartuUniversity 1st i: the city is old, quaint, w/ many bridges; the people are quiet, but friendly & accommodating. There is history here. — desiree simpson (@justdez) September 9, 2014

@TartuUniversity Tartu feels like home – Finland and Estonia are even more similar than I thought before. So, no culture shock yet.